The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception on May 9, unveiling a new hospitality design concept and celebrating the hotel's grand opening.
Private investment of over $20 million on the part of Dr. Gerald Niznick, DMD, MSC, hotel owner, transformed the former Clarion Hotel into a hospitality destination featuring 19 guest suites and 122 guest rooms, including a 2,000 s/f presidential suite, a fitness center and an indoor saltwater pool. The 5,000 s/f ballroom offers conference and meeting space for up to 500 guests. Two new dining venues, The Willows Restaurant and Time Out sports bar, feature menus created by executive chef Leo Bushey, III.
"It was Dr. Niznick's vision to create a landmark building worthy of its location in the shadow of ESPN and other great central Connecticut businesses, creating a new guest experience unmatched in the marketplace," said James Frenis, CHA, chief executive officer of Prestige Hospitality Group, LLC, the hotel management company.
Arthur Ward, mayor of Bristol, representatives of the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Worldwide, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
"This remarkable hotel represents all the good that is happening here in Bristol," said mayor Ward. "We are so fortunate to have business leaders like Dr. Niznick share our enthusiasm for Bristol's renaissance."
ACG North America, Inc., a design-build firm, was chosen after a design competition to design and build the Doubletree by Hilton. ACG selected Signature Architects to create a design that transformed the 1980s structure into a contemporary design with the highest levels of functionality. Parker Torres Interior Design was chosen by ACG to provide interior design services.
For Signature Archts. two of the major design challenges were how to bring a brooding, dated facade into the new century, and how to integrate a new addition with the existing building. Fortunately most of the facades and mansard roofs were non-bearing, allowing them to be completely removed and opened up with floor to ceiling glass walls. They were then able to tie the old and the new buildings together with stepped horizontal parapets. And they were fortunate to find a new brick that was a very close match to the existing.
Dr. Niznick, provided ACG with a vision for the property including a new 6-story guest tower with spacious suites, swimming pool, exercise facility, Porte-cochère's, pre-function space, a completely renovated kitchen, ballroom and two restaurants.
Control Pros was responsible for all audio and video design and installation of all ballrooms, restaurant, private dining, pool, and fitness center. In addition Control Pros also designed and installed a theater system and audio system in the presidential suite. An automation system was installed controlling HVAC, lighting, shades, audio, and video.